Media Analysis Paper

Media Analysis (100 pts): For this project, you will explore, in depth, the media coverage and treatment of your proposed topic. Please find at least two examples of news media coverage (blog, article, newscast, etc.) and at least two examples of social media commentary (tweet, FB post, article or blog comment), ideally expressing differing views or opinions; one of your four examples may also be a piece of entertainment media (TV show, sketch, web short, commercial, movie, music video, etc.), if your topic has been covered by it. Prepare a 1000-1200 word analysis on: 1.) the background and context of the media artifacts (where it appeared, what the “rules” of this particular media platform are, how these “rules” have shaped a particular media culture); 2.) summary of each media artifact’s argument/perspective; 3.) how the different rules and cultures of each media platform have contributed to the way your topic was treated on these different platforms; and 4.) what your personal view is in response to the arguments/perspectives put forth by the media artifacts you analyzed.

Check back soon for the link to the rubric!

The Script: Rhetorical Analysis of Narrative & Dialogue in Pop Culture Media

Cultural Analysis: Race, Ethnicity, Nationality & Religion in Pop Culture Media

Discussion Questions:

• Is it problematic for the military to use video games as recruitment tools?
• How do these video games conflate Americanness and militarism?
• What does the evolution of computer graphics mean for distinguishing between fantasy and reality? What might this mean for children's development?
• If future historians and anthropologists studied today's media, what would they conclude about the racial makeup of the United States?

Update for Final Projects: Possibility of Group Work

I am offering the totally OPTIONAL possibility of group final projects for those who are interested. Those who would like to pursue partner/group work for the final project must first:

1. schedule a meeting with me
2. explain how the members' topics intersect and compliment each other
3. propose how the project will be expanded in scope to compensate for multiple creators (I will create a unique rubric for you based on the agreed-upon criteria)

It is your responsibility to discuss with potential partners or group members and to follow up on these steps. Also, please be aware that even group project members will have to create their own independent media analysis papers. The final project is the only project with the possibility for group work.

Gender & Sexuality in the Media

Discussion Questions

• What is the beauty myth? How did it originate?
• How can we see examples of it in contemporary popular culture?
• Why does Wolf refer to the beauty myth as a political weapon?
• Why do you think The Beauty Myth was seen as controversial?

Culture Jams!

Rob, Sam & Adam

Alex, Jordan & Gunther

Conner, MG & Lily

Brooklyn, Drew & Luke

Jack, Ariel & Sal

Mohammed, Nadine & Emily

Aleana, Savanna & Ryoma

Max, Monique, Chase & Jessica

Emma

Critical Approaches, Part II: Class & Consumption

Discussion Questions

• What is the difference between Marx's social theory and Marxism as a political movement?
• Why is it important to critique representations of class in the media?

Link to Midterm Evaluation

Please fill out this short survey over the weekend for the midterm evaluation

It is anonymous and untraceable

Extra Credit Opportunity: Dr. John Dovido

The Offices of the Chancellor, Provost and Senior Advisor to the Chancellor and Provost, Dr. Frank Tuitt will host Dr. John F. Dovidio from Yale University on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 to discuss unconscious (implicit) bias and how it influences how we behave toward others based on social and/or cultural identity.  Dr. Dovidio is the Dean of Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Carl Iver Hovland Professor, and Professor of Psychology and Public Health at Yale University.  He is also one of the foremost scholars on explicit and implicit bias today.  Attached are three flyers describing separate opportunities to take part in this important discussion. 

RSVP now, as space is limited.

• 10 extra credit points for attending any ONE of the promoted talks and writing a 500 word reflection (with your permission for me to post to the blog); or
• 20 extra credit points for attending any one of the promoted talks and presenting a 5-10 minute presentation to the class.
  
  
  
  
  

Intro to Criticality

Discussion Questions:

• What's the difference between critiquing a person and critiquing a system? Why is this important?
• What's the difference between critiquing and criticizing?

Culture Jam Project

Culture Jam Project (200 pts): This group project (groups of 2-3) entails digitally altering the logo or branding of a corporation, company, organization or public agency to make a social statement about it. We will go over what culture jamming is, look at successful examples, come up with a best practices list, and do a Digital Tools Workshop in the Digital Media Center at the Anderson Academic Commons before you are expected to complete it.

See detailed rubric on Canvas.

Groups:

Survey Link - Media Skills

Please fill out this survey (3 questions, multiple choice) prior to our Media Workshop on Thursday, October 8th: https://udenver.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6E8fwqI5fQU4oZv

Thanks!

Memes: Spreadable Culture

Discussion Questions:

• Are memes spread because of their value to society? In other words, do memes have to present some kind of good for them to be popular/viral, or are they spread regardless of their value?
• What are some criteria that determine which memes are spread?